Best Dispersed Camping near Hillside, CO
Dispersed camping areas surround Hillside, Colorado, with sites available on nearby public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service. Several off-grid camping spots can be found within a short drive, including Lake Deweese State Wildlife Area, Cloverdale Mines Dispersed Area, Hayden Creek Roadside Camp, and Cotton Creek Trailhead. The region primarily supports tent and small RV camping in primitive settings where campers must bring all necessary supplies and follow Leave No Trace principles.
Most access roads to dispersed sites require careful navigation, with many deteriorating into rough, unpaved routes best suited for high-clearance vehicles. Several areas like Cloverdale Mines and Cotton Creek Trailhead feature free camping with established fire rings but no amenities such as water, toilets, or trash service. Cotton Creek Trailhead uniquely accommodates larger vehicles, though most sites in the region are better suited for tent camping or small trailers. Camping is typically limited to 14 days on public lands, and seasonal fire restrictions may apply depending on conditions and time of year.
The terrain around Hillside provides exceptional mountain views and access to hiking trails, with elevations ranging from valley floors to higher alpine zones. Wildlife viewing opportunities include deer sightings at dawn and dusk. Campers report varying experiences with cell service, with some areas offering surprisingly good connectivity despite their remote settings. "Great views, better stars. You will have to travel like 5-10mph for the last mile," noted one visitor to Cotton Creek Trailhead. Another camper described the Cloverdale Mines area as having "drive-in access with beautiful views of the surrounding mountain range."
